This digest focuses on strategies for reaching families and increasing family literacy that reflect the strengths families already have. The Federal Even Start Family Literacy Program, authorized in 1988, is the catalyst for much of the family literacy activity nationally. Funded programs must adhere to Even Start's core organizational curriculum, and evaluation requirements and goals, but program models vary greatly and the degree to which programs reflect and involve the families they serve varies, although multisite programs tend to be more generic in organization and curriculum. Recruitment strategies that reflect cultural diversity and local norms, stress personnel contact, and use former program participants are most effective. Considering themselves partners in the learning process both engages and empowers parents. Some curriculum components have been shown to increase family literacy program effectiveness with diverse learners. Especially effective are those that create opportunities for developing traditional literacy skills while showing participants that their native ways of communication are also valid literacy activities. Developing parental skills is the goal of all family literacy programs, and those that build on participants' strengths also build participants' self-esteem. (Contains 12 references.) (SLD)

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